System and Method for Coordinating Live Acting Performances at Venues

ABSTRACT

Live performances are coordinated at venues using a host (server) and client (user devices). Scripts for live performances are stored at the host. Each script has roles for playing by users (actors) and has teleprompter text for delivery at a sequence in the live performances. Media elements are associated at the host in the sequence of the teleprompter text for output in the live performances. Once a lobby is created for a live performance at a venue, clients are associated at the host with the roles for the script. The host delivers the teleprompter text for output in real time at the sequence during the live performance with the clients at the venue, and the host delivers the associated media elements for output in the sequence during the live performance at the venue. Each venue can have an associated configuration for media output so the host can deliver the media elements according to the configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Live performances combine video, lighting, audio, special effects,teleprompters, and other audio/visual elements together. Typically,several operators are needed to coordinate all of these differentelements during the live performance. For example, a stage managerfollows along in the script as the actors deliver their lines. The stagemanager then calls out the upcoming cues in the performance so theoperators on stand-by can execute the visual, sound, lighting, and otherelements at the right times. Currently, directors have to mark up thebook (script) with all of these cues and then transfer them to multiplespreadsheets for stage managers to call out during the performance. Eachof the different elements use a different system and controls.Coordinating all of them in proper time and place during the performanceis even a challenge when professional actors and professional stagepersonnel are used.

As will be appreciated, acting can be a powerful way to communicate withaudiences even when non-professional actors are used. Whennon-professional actors (and even audience volunteers and children)perform the acting, the experience can be particularly poignant for theactors and members in the audience. Moreover, portraying people andevents from the Bible can be an important learning experience forchildren, and youth ministers are continually striving to find new waysto teach children about Biblical messages.

In the past, video files used in live performances have a standard timecode based on the Society of Television and Motion Picture Engineers(SMPTE). Visuals, lights, special effects, teleprompters, and the likecan be synced to the standard SMPTE time code, but the performancerequires separate systems and applications that each listen to the SMPTEtime code and execute their respective elements.

At any point in a live performance, however, circumstances may change,and the timing and placement of elements in the performance may beaffected. This can be especially true when non-professional actors, andeven children, are delivering lines and acting in the live performance.Therefore, what is needed is a more flexible system that can accommodateunpredictable changes in the line delivery and execution of a liveperformance and that can allow operators and even audience members to beactors in the performance.

The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming,or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems setforth above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A method according to the present disclosure is directed to coordinatinga live performance by one or more actors at a venue. A script for thelive performance is stored at a host. The script has one or more rolesfor playing by the one or more actors, and the script has telepromptertext for delivery by the one or more actors at a sequence in the liveperformance. At the host, one or more media elements are associated inthe sequence of the teleprompter text for output in the liveperformance. Also at the host, one or more clients at the venue areassociated with the one or more roles of the script.

From the host, the teleprompter text is delivered for output in realtime at the sequence during the live performance at the one or moreclients, and the one or more associated media elements are delivered foroutput in real time at the sequence during the live performance. Theteleprompter text can further be delivered from the host to at least onevisual output device at the venue for output.

The host can comprise a server, a server system, a web-based server, ora remote server. The clients can comprise one or more of a local server,a computer, a laptop, a tablet computer, a smartphone, and a handhelddevice. The media elements can include one or more of a song, a karaokesong, music, a video, an image, a sound effect, a smoke effect, and alighting effect.

To store the script at the host, the script can be stored with a hostapplication running on a server accessible by the one or more clientsvia a network interface, and one or more user interfaces can be providedat the host to create the script. In the method, one or more clientapplications can be delivered from a server of the host to one or moreclient devices for the one or more clients.

To then associate the one or more clients with the one or more roles ofthe script at the host, a link can be created for the live performanceand can be shared for access by the one or more clients. To associatethe one or more clients at the venue with the one or more roles, the oneor more clients can then be assigned to the one or more roles using thehost, or the one or more roles can be selected by the one or moreclients.

To deliver the teleprompter text from the host, the teleprompter textcan be sent from the host to the one or more clients, and theteleprompter text can be output with a client application running on theone or more clients. Then, according to the method, a pace for theoutput of the teleprompter text at the one or more clients at thesequence can be controlled by at least one of the one or more clientsduring the live performance.

To deliver the associated media elements from the host, the associatedmedia elements can be sent from the host to at least one clientapplication running on at least one client device, and the associatedmedia elements can then be output with one or more interfaces of the atleast one client application to one or more media output devices at thevenue. The one or more media output devices can comprise one or more ofaudio equipment, video equipment, one or more displays, one or moreprojectors, smoke machine, and lighting equipment.

In delivering the associated media elements from the host, theassociated media elements can be delivered from the host directly to oneor more media output devices at the venue. Alternatively, the associatedmedia elements can be delivered from the host to one of the one or moreclients having one or more media outputs, which are able to output themedia elements and/or are connected to other media. For example, theassociate media elements can be output in real time at the sequence withthe one client, or the associated media elements can be delivered inreal time at the sequence from the one client to one or more mediaoutput devices.

To deliver content (i.e., the teleprompter text and/or the one or moreassociated media elements) from the host for output in real time at thesequence during the live performance, the content can be streamed orbroadcast from the host and can be buffered at at least one of theclients for output by the at least one client in real time at the venue,or the content can be streamed or broadcast from the host and can bebuffered at at least one media output device at the venue for output bythe at least one media output device in real time at the venue.Likewise, the content can be downloaded in whole or in part from thehost on at least one of the clients so a pace for the output of thecontent in real time by the at least one client can be controlled withhost, or the content can be downloaded in whole or in part from the hoston at least one media output device at the venue so a pace for theoutput of the content in real time by the at least one media outputdevice can be controlled with the host.

A method according to the present disclosure is directed to coordinatinglive performances of actors at venues. One or more scripts for the liveperformances are stored at a host. The one or more scripts have rolesfor playing by the actors. Each of the one or more scripts hasteleprompter text for delivery by the actors at a sequence in each ofthe live performances. One or more media elements are associated at thehost in the sequence of the teleprompter text for output in each of thelive performances of each of the one or more scripts. Clients with theroles for each of the one or more scripts in each of the liveperformances at each of the venues are associated at the host. Theteleprompter text is delivered from the host for output in real time atthe sequence during each of the live performances at the clients at eachof the venues. The one or more associated media elements are deliveredfrom the host for output in real time at the sequence during each of thelive performances at each of the venues.

In the method, a configuration for media output at each of the venuescan be associate at the host. The one or more associated media elementscan be delivered from the host according to the associated configurationof the media output at each of the venues.

According to the present disclosure, a non-transitory program storagedevice comprises instructions stored thereon to cause one or moreprocessors of a host to perform a method as disclosed above. Forexample, the one or more processors of a host can: store a script forthe live performance, the script having roles for playing by the actors,the script having teleprompter text for delivery by the actors at asequence in the live performance; associate a plurality of mediaelements in the sequence of the teleprompter text for output in the liveperformance; associate a plurality of clients with the roles of thescript; deliver the teleprompter text from the host for output in realtime at the sequence during the live performance at the clients; anddeliver the associated media elements from the host for output in realtime at the sequence during the live performance.

According to the present disclosure, a host device is used forcoordinating a live performance between a plurality of networked clientdevices of actors at a venue. The host device comprises memory, one ormore interfaces, and one or more processors. The memory stores a scriptfor the live performance. The script has roles for playing by theactors. The script has teleprompter text for delivery by the actors at asequence in the live performance. The script also has a plurality ofmedia elements associated in the sequence of the teleprompter text foroutput in the live performance.

The one or more interfaces are for communication with the networkedclient devices, and the one or more processors are in communication withthe memory and the one or more interfaces. The one or more processorsare configured to: associate a plurality of the network client deviceswith the roles of the script; deliver the teleprompter text from thehost device for output in real time at the sequence during the liveperformance with the client devices; and deliver the associated mediaelements from the host device for output in real time at the sequenceduring the live performance.

The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potentialembodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a system according to the present disclosure forcoordinating a live performance between a plurality of actors at avenue.

FIG. 1B illustrates the system according to the present disclosure forcoordinating live performances between a plurality of venues.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a process according to the presentdisclosure for coordinating the live performance between the actors atthe venue.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate screens of a client application for coordinatingthe live performance.

FIG. 4 illustrates another screen of a client application for conductingthe live performance.

FIG. 5 illustrate a schematic of the coordinated elements of a liveperformance configured according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1A illustrates a system 10 according to the present disclosure forcoordinating a live performance at a venue 12. The system 10 is flexibleso it can accommodate unpredictable changes in the line delivery andexecution of the live performance by the actors. Additionally, thesystem 10 is automated so it can allow operators and even audiencemembers to be the actors in the live performance.

The system 10 includes a first computing device or host device 20 and anumber of second computing devices or client devices 50 a-b for use bythe actors at the venue 12. The system 10 may also include mediaequipment 60 for use at the venue 12. These components 20, 50 a-b, and60 are networked together by connecting over one or more suitablenetworks/interfaces 40. Accordingly, the system 10 in general includesone or more media interfaces 40 in communication with one or more of thecomponents 50 a-b, 60 and includes one or more network interfaces 40 incommunication with networked components 20 and 50 a-b, most of which canat least include a processor, memory, and input/output devices.

The venue 12 can be a theater, a church, a home, or any indoor oroutdoor location. In general, the host device 20 may be a computer orthe like located at the venue 12 and configured as disclosed herein.Alternatively, the host device 20 can be a server or server systemlocated remotely from the venue 12, while the client devices 50 a-b canbe local user devices associated with the actors at the venue. Theseclient devices 50 a-b can be a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, atablet, a handheld device, or other like user device.

In one operational arrangement, the host device 20 is a remote server,and each of the local client devices 50 a-b can be a portable device,such as a smartphone, with one of the client devices 50 a beingdesignated as a master or director device. Each of the local clientdevices 50 a-b at the venue 12 can connect on their own to the hostserver 20 via the one or more networks/interfaces 40. Alternatively, thedirector device 50 a may provide the communication interface between theother client devices 50 b and the host server 20, but this may not bepreferred.

External media equipment 60 may not be present at the venue 12 in thisarrangement. Instead, the displays and/or loudspeakers of one or more ofthe client devices 50 a-b can used for the multimedia output.Alternatively, external media equipment 60 may be present at the venue12, but none of the client devices 50 a-b may not have the appropriateoperational interface with the external media equipment 60. In thiscase, the host server 20 may interface and control the media equipment60 at the venue 12.

In another operational arrangement, the host device 20 is a remoteserver, and each of the client devices 50 a-b can be user device (e.g.,a computer, a laptop, a smartphone, etc.) One of the client devices 50 adesignated as the master or director device has operational interfacesfor the external media equipment 60 at the venue 12. This directordevice 50 a can then interface and control the media equipment 60 at thevenue 12 during the performance. Meanwhile, the other client devices 50b may have limited output capabilities, such as mainly displayingteleprompter text for the actors.

Depending on the operational arrangement, the one or more interfaces 40can include an audio interface, a video interface, an output interface,and an input interface. The one or more networks 40 may take any formincluding, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), such as the Internet, or a combination of local and widearea networks. Moreover, the one or more networks 40 may use any desiredtechnology, or combination of technologies (including, but not limitedto, wired, wireless, cellular, or a combination thereof) and protocol(e.g., transmission control protocol, TCP).

The media equipment 60 available at the venue 12 can vary from one venueto another and may have more or less sophistication. In general, themedia equipment 60 can include one or more of audio equipment 62, videoequipment 64 (one or more displays, one or more projectors, etc.),lighting equipment 66 (e.g., DMX controller, lights, etc.), and effectsequipment 68 (e.g., smoke machine, seating actuators, odor mistingdevices, etc.).

The host server 20 as a host device runs a host application or interface22 for conducting live performances at the venue 12. The host sever 20includes databases or libraries, including a script library 24, a medialibrary 26, and a venue library 28. Any given script stored in thescript library 24 can include any division of scenes, acts, roles, andthe like.

As an example, a portion of one such script 30 is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 1A. The script 30 includes teleprompter text 32arranged with the narration and speaking roles for the actors in thelive performance. The teleprompter text 32 of the script 30 is laid outin a sequence or timeline 34 for its delivery. Media elements 36 areassociated in the script 30 for output within the sequence of theteleprompter text 32. The media elements 36 associated with the script30 can include one or more of a karaoke song, music, a video, an image,a sound effect, smoke, lighting, etc. As noted in the background of thepresent disclosure, directors have had to mark up the book (script) withall of the cues and then transfer the cues to multiple spreadsheets forstage managers to call out. The system 30 of the present disclosureallows the director to associate sound, lighting, visuals, specialeffects, etc. directly into the script, as the director pre-plans theperformance, conducts rehearsals, etc.

To coordinate a live performance between a plurality of actors, thescript 30 for the live performance is stored at the host application 22running on the host sever 20. In turn, the host server 20 delivers oroutputs the teleprompter text 32 and media elements 36 at the sequence34 from the host application 22 to at least one client device 50 a-band/or media equipment 60 for output during the live performance. Thisdelivery and output during the live performance can be “in real time,”meaning the teleprompter text 32 and the media elements 36 are deliveredand output at the sequence 34 at the venue 12 in a way that is “live”,at the pace of the actors, controlled by the speed of the telepromptertext 32, and/or driven by the director using user controls disclosedbelow.

For example, client applications 52 running on the client devices 50 a-bare associated at the host application 22 with the roles of the script30. The host server 20 delivers or outputs the teleprompter text 32 atthe sequence 34 from the host application 22 to the client applications52 for output in real time during the live performance. The host server20 also delivers or outputs the associated media elements 36 within thesequence 34 from the host application 22 to one or more media devices 60for output in real time during the live performance.

To output the teleprompter text 32, the teleprompter text 32 can be sentat the sequence 34 from the host application 22 to the clientapplications 52. In turn, the client devices 50 a-b running the clientapplications 52 can output the teleprompter text 32 for the actors.Broadcasting or streaming of the text 32 from the host application 22and buffering of the text 32 at the client applications 52 may be usedin the delivery and output of the teleprompter text 32 for output inreal time. Alternatively, the teleprompter text 32 can be downloaded inwhole or in part on the client applications 52 from the host application22, and the host application 22 can then control or trigger the pace ofthe real-time output of the text 52 by the client applications 52. Asdiscussed below, at least the application (52) on the director's device(e.g., 50 a) may have user controls for setting and pausing the pace.

To output the associated media elements 36, the host application 22 cansend the associated media elements 36 to at least one of the clientapplications 52 running on at least one local device (e.g., 50 a). Inturn, the associated media elements 36 can be output to the one or moremedia equipment 60 using one or more interfaces 40 of the at least oneclient device (e.g., director device 50 a) to the media equipment 60.This director device 50 a can include a computer, a laptop, asmartphone, a tablet, a handheld device, or the like having appropriateinterfaces 40 with the media equipment 60 at the venue 12.Alternatively, to output the associated media elements 36, the hostapplication 22 can send the associated media elements 36 directly to theone or more media equipment 60, depending on the capabilities of theclient devices 50 a-b.

Broadcasting or streaming of the media elements 36 from the hostapplication 22 and buffering of the media elements 36 at the venue'scomponents (e.g., 50 a-b, 60) may be used in the delivery and output ofthe media elements 36 for output in real time. Alternatively, the mediaelements 36 can be downloaded in whole or in part on the venue'scomponents (e.g., 50 a-b, 60) from the host application 22, and the hostapplication 22 can then control or trigger the pace of the real-timeoutput of the elements 52 by the venue's components (e.g., 50 a-b, 60).As discussed below, at least the host application (52) on the director'sdevice (e.g., 50 a) may have user controls for setting and pausing thepace.

As noted above, the host or first computing device 20 can be a server orserver system remote from the venue 12 having the local client devices50 a-b. This configuration allows the host server 20 to interface withmultiple venues 12 across various locations to provide liveperformances. Therefore, the system 10 is not restricted to just onevenue 12 as depicted in FIG. 1A, but can be extended to multiple venueswith different arrangements of local client devices 50 a-b, mediaequipment 60, and network/interfaces 40.

For example, FIG. 1B illustrates the system 10 according to the presentdisclosure for coordinating live performances between a plurality ofvenues 12 a-b. In this example, four venues 12 a-d are shown, rangingfrom less sophisticated (e.g., 12 a) to more sophisticated (e.g., 12 d).The host device 20, which includes a host server system, applicationinterfaces 22, and libraries 24-28, connects to the network/interfaces40, such as the Internet. Users at each venue 12 a-d can access accountson the host 20, create scripts, load media, access scripts, configurevenues, and the like to coordinate and conduct live performances.

At the first example venue 12 a, a client device 50 a of a directorconducts a live performance with other client devices 50 bparticipating. External media equipment is not available at this venue12 a so one or more of the client devices 50 a-b may output audio,video, and cues. The director can connect his/her client device 50 a tothe host server system 20 through a network connection (e.g., cellular,Internet, etc.) via the network 40 and can access an account on the hostapplication 22 to create a lobby. The actors can connect their clientdevices 50 b to the host server system 20 through a network connection(e.g., cellular, Internet, etc.) via the network 40 and can access thecreated lobby on the host application 22. If viable, the actors' clientdevices 50 b could access the live performance via a local connection(e.g., wired connection, wireless connection, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.) withthe director's client device 50 a.

The second example venue 12 b is similarly configured as the first venue12 a and can be arranged similarly with a client device 50 a of adirector and client devices 50 b of actors. However, external mediaequipment is available at this venue. In particular, video equipment inthe form of a display or smart television 65 a is available at the venue12 b. Because the client devices 50 a-b may not have an appropriateinterface to output audio and video to external media equipment, thissmart televisions 65 a can connect independently through a networkconnection (e.g., cellular, Internet, etc.) via the network 40 to thehost server system 20 to receive teleprompter text, audio, media, andthe like. As before, the director can connect his/her client device 50 ato the host server system 20 through a network connection (e.g.,cellular, Internet, etc.) via the network 40, and the actors can connecttheir client devices 50 b to the host server system 20 through a networkconnection (e.g., cellular, Internet, etc.) via the network 40 or canaccess the live performance via a local connection (e.g., wiredconnection, wireless connection, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.) with thedirector's client device 50 a.

The third example venue 12 c includes external media equipment, such asa video display 65 a and a sound system 63. One of the available clientdevices, such as the director's device 50 a, may actually haveappropriate interfaces to output audio and video to this external mediaequipment. Therefore, the video display 65 a and sound system 63 canconnect to the director's client device 50 a via a local connection(e.g., wired connection, wireless connection, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.). Asbefore, the director can connect his/her client device 50 a to the hostserver system 20 through a network connection (e.g., cellular, Internet,etc.), and the actors can connect their client devices 50 b to the hostserver system 20 through a network connection (e.g., cellular, Internet,etc.) or can access the live performance via a local connection (e.g.,wired connection, wireless connection, Bluetooth, LAN, etc.) with thedirector's client device 50 a.

Finally, the fourth example venue 12 d represents a more sophisticatedconfiguration, having a local client device 50 a, which can be a clientserver system having a local area network 42. The client server 50 ainterfaces with media equipment, such as multiple projectors 65 b withscreens 65 c, a sound system 63, a lighting controller 67, and aneffects system 69. As before, the director can connect the client server50 a to the host server system 20 through a network connection (e.g.,cellular, Internet, etc.), and the actors can connect their clientdevices 50 b to the host server system 20 through a network connection(e.g., cellular, Internet, etc.) or can access the live performance viaa local connection (e.g., wired connection, wireless connection,Bluetooth, LAN, etc.) with the client server 50 a.

One or more cameras 65 d may be present at any of the venues (e.g., 12a) to capture video and audio of the live performance. This capturedvideo and audio can be used for either output at the same venue 12 aand/or can be used at any of the other venues 12 b-12 d. In this way,the host server 20 can coordinate interactive live performances betweenvenues 12 a-12 d. For example, actors at one venue 12 a can act in thelive performance at another venue (e.g., 12 b).

As these example venues 12 a-d show, churches can use existing equipment60 along with the client applications 52 to greatly enhance their liveperformances. With the church's computer (e.g., 50 a) logged into thehost server 20, a front LED screen 65 a or front projector 65 b candisplay a visual backdrop, and back screens 65 a or back projectors 65 bcan be used for output of the teleprompter text. Actors can use theirsmartphones 50 b for personal output of the teleprompter text.Additional screens, edge blending, and warping projectors 65 b can alsobe configured in the system 10 for the venue 12 a-d to provide more of360-degree experience wrapping around the actors. The venue 12 a-d canbe configured for multiple projectors 65 b to project on a number ofwalls, screens, or dome. The projections can be warped and edge blended.The venue 12 a-d can be configured to connect to a sound system 63,displays 65 a, projectors 65 b, DMX lighting 67, smoke machines 69, andthe like.

After a story is selected, and participants have picked their parts, theperson playing the director presses play and controls the speed of thescrolling teleprompter text that appears on all participants web-basedclient devices 50 b. If a secondary screen 65 a, projector 65 b, ormulti-projector setup is connected along with other media equipment 63,67, 69; 360-degrees visuals of the Holy Land locale, sounds, and othereffects such as storms, armies invading, seas parting, and change inmood of music can execute right on cue. An interactive virtual world canbe explored in HD quality with a built in navigation joystick of clientapplications (52).

With an understanding of the system 10, discussion turns to FIG. 2,which illustrates a flowchart of a process 100 according to the presentdisclosure for coordinating a live performance. Reference is made to theelements in FIGS. 1A-1B for understanding.

In a creation stage (101) of the process 100, creators cancreate/compile a script 30 and make it available for use in liveperformances at venues. Briefly, the creator creates/compiles the script30 in the host application 22 by writing the narration and actorspeaking roles (Block 102). Other suitable directions, cues, and thelike can be added as needed.

The creator also adds media elements 36 to locations in the sequence ortimeline of the script 30 (Block 104). As noted herein, these mediaelements 36 can include songs, music, video, images, sound effects,lighting, special effects, etc. The host application 22 on the hostserver 20 may have access to the media library 26 of media elements 36for incorporation into the script 30. Identifiers or call outs to themedia elements 36 are added to the text 32 of the script 30 and can callout to the media elements 36 in the media library 26 of the host server20 when triggered. With the script 30 created, the creator can save thescript 30 on the host server 20, such as by saving the script 30 in thescript library 24.

In one configuration, the host application 22 and client applications 52can use a video game software engine, such as Unity's real-time 3Ddevelopment platform available from Unity Technologies. A website of thehost application 22 is used to control the software engine, and anapplication program interface (API) interfaces with the media library 24holding the media elements 36. Using the host application 22, thecreator can add media elements 36 to the script 30 by droppingidentifiers or callouts to media elements onto the scripted words of theteleprompter text 32. In this way, when the word scrolls past theexecution line on the teleprompter text during the live performance, thesystem 10 plays the media element (e.g., sound, visual, orlighting/special effect). The currently loaded media element continuesexecuting for output in a loop until the system 10 reaches anotherindicated word in the teleprompter text 32. At that point, the system 10ends the output of the current media element or switches to a newlydesignated media element. The change can be a timed crossfade. As aresult, the system 10 provides a flexible, all-in-one media deliverysystem for conducting live performances.

Multiple scripts 30 can be created and saved in the script library 24 inthis manner so actors at various venues 12 can access and perform ascript 30 as desired. For example, the process 100 in FIG. 2 continueswith a lobby stage (103) of the process 100 where actors can access andcoordinate the roles for a performance. A director logs into the hostserver 20 to access saved scripts 30 in the script library 24 (Block110). For example, the director may use the client application 52 on aclient device (e.g., 50 a) to connect to the host application 22 on thehost sever 20 via the networks/interfaces 40 and select a desired script30 from the script library 24 to be performed at the venue 12.

The director creates a lobby on the host server 20 for the selectedscript 30 from the library 24 (Block 112). The director may also selectthe venue 12 for the performance from a venue library 28. For example,the director may have preconfigured the arrangement of media equipment60, interfaces 40, and the like at a particular venue, and the directorcan call up that configuration from the venue library 28. For example,the host application 22 can include mapping and edge blending tools formultiple projectors. The director can use these tools when setting upthe configuration for a venue so backdrops, videos, images and the likecan be projected during the performance on one or multiple screens,walls, a projection dome, etc.

With the lobby created, actors can access the lobby for the performancehosted on the host sever 20 (Block 114). The actors can access the lobbythrough the networks/interface 40 whether the actor is at the venue ornot. Should the actor not have a client application (52) on his/herdevice (50 b), the actor can download a copy of the client application(52) from the host server (20) to install and run on the client device(50 b).

Casting for the performance may be either opened or closed as defined bythe director (Decision 115). If open casting is available, the actorscan select their roles in the performance from the available roles inthe script 30 (Block 116). If casting is closed, the director assignsthe actors to their roles in the performance (Block 117). The castingcan be performed well in advance of the performance, or may be doneright up to the time of the performance, such as when actors areselected from audience members.

With the roles assigned or selected, the director starts the performanceof the script 30 at the venue 12 (Block 118). At this point, the process100 moves to a performance stage (105). Overall, the system 10 isintended to operate in an automated fashion, outputting the telepromptertext 32 to client devices 50 a-b, outputting the teleprompter text 32 tovideo equipment 64, outputting media elements 36 for delivery with theappropriate media equipment 60, and conducting the performance accordingto the sequence 34 without much need for manual direction orintervention.

In the performance stage (105), the system 10 synchronizes the clientdevices 50 a-b and media equipment 60 to the sequence 34 of theteleprompter text 32 of the script 30 (Block 120). As the performanceproceeds, the system 10 advances through the teleprompter sequence 34and executes triggered media elements 36 (Block 122). To follow anatural pace of the particular performance, the venue 12, the actors,and the like, the system 10 loops currently triggered media elements 36until triggered to stop or until triggered to switch to another mediaelement 36. In this way, there is not a forced timing for theperformance, and the actors can continue with the speaking roles whilethe media elements 36 execute at the pace of the teleprompter text 32.

As noted below, the pace of the sequence 34 can be manually controlledat the venue 12 by pausing, speeding up, and slowing down the rollingcursor sequencing through the teleprompter text 32. Ideally, thedirector of the performance can use his/her client device (50 a) toadjust the pace. Then, as the sequence 34 of the teleprompter text 32advances and encounters a media element 36 associated with the text 32,the media element 36 can be called out for execution. The media element36 may not be stored locally on any of the client devices 50 a-b and maynot be downloaded with the teleprompter text 32, although this ispossible. Instead, the media element 36 can be stored in the medialibrary 26 of the host server 20. When the client device 50 a triggersthe callout for the media element 36 to the host server 20 as thesequence 34 of the teleprompter text 32 reaches the associated element36, the media element 36 can then be delivered, downloaded, streamed, orthe like to the venue 12 for output by whatever appropriate equipmenthas been configured for its output at the venue 12. Because the system10 may be implemented at venues 12 of different sophistication and ispreferably automated, streaming delivery of content (the telepromptertext 32, media elements 36, controls, equipment triggers, and the like)may be a preferred form of delivery for the live performance.

Therefore, as shown in the process 100, the system 10 can determine if anew media element 36 is encountered in the sequence 34 of the script 30(Decision 124). If not, then the system 10 continues to loop the currentmedia element 36 without any necessary time restriction (Block 126). Ifa new element 36 is encountered, then the system 10 can switch tooutputting the new media element 36 (Block 128). For example, currentbackground music may be looped for output during a portion of the script30. When the sequence 34 of the script 30 reaches a new media element 36for call out in the text 32, the background music is replaced by a songthat is executed for output.

It is also possible that the system 10 can determine if a current mediaelement 36 is triggered to end in the sequence 34 of the script 30(Decision 130). If not, then the system 10 continues to loop the currentmedia element 36 without any necessary time restriction (Block 132). Ifthe media element 36 is to end, then the system 10 can stop outputtingthe media element 36 (Block 138). For example, current background musicmay be looped for output during a portion of the script 30. When thesequence 34 of the script 30 reaches a null trigger for call out in thetext 32, output of the background music is stopped.

As noted, the media elements 36 are real-time deliverables, and multipleelements 36 can be layered in the script 30. Some media elements 36 mayrequire specific treatment. For example, a media element 36 for akaraoke song may not include a looped execution. Instead, the karaokesong has a time code that synchronizes the lyrics to the music so thelyrics scroll or advance with the timing of the music. Once the mediaelement 36 for the karaoke song is started, the teleprompter sequence 34may be paused or suspended for the completion of the song. Preferably,the timed lyrics associated with the karaoke song are displayed acrossthe bottom of the teleprompter display. Alternatively, the output of theteleprompter text 32 can be replaced by the timed lyrics associated withthe karaoke song.

The performance continues advancing through the sequence 34 until thescript 30 is ended (Decision 136), at which point the performance ends(Block 138).

As can be seen, the teleprompter text 32 can be loaded with all the callouts for media elements 36 incorporated into the words where theelements 36 are to execute. A stage manager calling the show or otheroperators are not required to execute the media elements 36, therebyeliminating user errors. In this way, the system 10 allows a smalltheatre group to run a show with very limited staff, as in many showsthe staff may also play roles in the performance. In fact, the operatorscan be actors in the show and can run the show from their client devices50 a-b (e.g., smartphones).

As noted above, a director can create a lobby for performance of ascript 30 at a venue 12. For example, an actor/director having a clientdevice 50 a-b, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other device supportinga web browser, logs into a designated address of the host server 20. Thedirector then chooses a performance and creates a lobby. FIGS. 3A-3Billustrate screens 200, 220 of a client application (52) for creating alobby and coordinating the live performance.

The first screen 200 in FIG. 3A includes at 202 details of the lobbycreated by the director. In the screen 200, the performance lobby isdescribed, and a code word, address, a Quick Response (QR) code, orother type of link is given for the lobby. In this example, the link isServer. Location/ScevaGait. Other actors can join the lobby using thelink in their client application (52).

The screen 200 at 204 shows a number of defined roles loaded into thedirector's client application (52) for the script (30). These areindicated as available or filled roles in the screen 200. At 206,available cast members are also listed and can correspond to thoseactors that have accessed the lobby. The director that started the lobbycan assign roles by assigning the available cast to an available roleusing the screen 200, or individuals can choose their own roles to play.

At 208, a text box for any director's notes is provided so inputinformation from the director can be shared with all of the clientapplications (52) connecting to the lobby.

The screen 220 in FIG. 3B shows additional controls and user interfaceelements for the director. At 222, venues (12) having preconfiguredarrangement of media equipment (60) and the like are listed forselection by the director. A given venue (2) may have a client device(50 a) running one or more specific software interfaces for controllingthe media equipment (60). A given venue (12) may have a specific numberof display, projectors, aspect ratios, blending between projectedimages, etc.

At 224, various buttons allow the director to control the liveperformance. One button allows the director to turn audio-visualcapabilities on and off for other client applications (52). For example,the director's client device (50 a) running the client application (52)may be interfacing with the media equipment (60). In this case, thedirector can turn off the audio-visual capabilities of the other users.

Another button can allow the director to turn cue alerts on and off forthe client applications (52) on client devices (50). For example, eachclient application (52) for the client device (50 b) of an actor mayprovide a cue to the actor that the actor's role, speaking, orinstruction is approaching in the sequence (34) of the script (30). Thecue can preferably be a vibration of the actor's device (50 b), whichcan be a smartphone, and the cue can be given before the actor'sspeaking role comes up in the sequence (34) of the script (30). This canallow the actor to act out a given scene without needing to follow thescript's text (32) until necessary. Yet another button can allow thedirector to make casting open or closed as noted above.

At 226, scene selections for the performance can be selected. As notedherein, a given performance may have a number of acts, scenes, or thelike. A particular scene can be selected here from those available.

Finally at 228, controls are provided for the director to start theperformance, re-synchronize the client applications (52) for the actorsto any new updates, and to cancel the performance. As will beappreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure, these and otheruser interface elements and controls may be made available to thedirector for the live performance.

When all the actors are ready to go, the director hits start, and allthe client applications 52 on the actor's devices 50 a-b are launchedinto a synchronized teleprompter that guides the actor through thescript (30). As noted above, actors can access the lobby of the liveperformance. Once the performance is started, the actors can then havethe teleprompter text (32) (and possibly other elements of the script)output on the actor's client device 50 a-b.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the client devices 50 a-b can output various mediaelements 54, such as visual, audio, and cue elements. Visual elementscan be output to appear as a digital backdrop on all devices 50 a-b. Forexample, FIG. 1B shows a 360-view that can be available on client device50 a-b, such as a smartphone. As the actor points the smartphone in thevenue 12 a, the device 50 a-b may use the orientation to show anappropriate section of the 360-view, thereby allowing the actor to lookthrough the environment in real time.

Audio elements, such as music and sound effects, can be output on one ormore of the client devices 50 a-b. Additionally, the client devices 50a-b can output cues for the actors, such as vibration before the actor'sspeaking role comes up in the script's sequence.

Furthermore, as noted above, media elements (36) can be output fordelivery using media equipment 60. This may be done in addition to orinstead of any media elements (e.g., 54; FIG. 1B) output from the clientdevices 50 a-b. To output the media through the equipment 60, a user canlogin to the host server 20 on a client device (e.g., 50 a), which canbe connected to a large screen or projector with a HDMI cord, to havethe visuals output as a large digital backdrop to enhance the enactment.Should a client device 50 a not be capable of output of the media orinterface with the equipment 60, then the host server 20 may connectover the network/interface with the media equipment 60 directly tooutput the media elements (36).

Of all of the elements output during the performance, the telepromptertext (32) of the speaking roles is particularly important for theactors. The text (32) may be projected on a screen for all of the actorsto see. Additionally or alternatively, the text (32) may be output onthe actor's client device 50 a-b, such as their smartphone. One of theclient devices (e.g., the director's device 50 a) may include particularcontrols for the director to conduct the live performance.

For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a screen 240 of a client application(52) for conducting the live performance. This screen 240 shows theteleprompter text 242 being output according to the sequence on the userinterface of a client application (52). The scroll line 244 advancesthrough the text 242 at a defined pace, and triggers are generated whenmedia element triggers or call outs 246 are encountered in the text 242of the script. For visualization, the trigger 246 may be identified as adifferent color, bolding, etc. for an associated word in the text 242when the media element is triggered. This may be preferred so that anytriggers or callouts 246 for media elements are not displayed to usersor directors in a way that would interrupt or obscure the delivery ofthe teleprompter text 242. Preferably, trigger visualizations may onlybe visible on the director's view of the teleprompter text 242.

This particular screen 240 includes pacing controls 248, including aplay/pause toggle, a speed-up button, and a slow-down button. The speedor pace of the sequence of the text 242 can optionally be displayed onthe screen using an appropriate measure for the user to know the currentpace. Preferably, such pacing controls 248 are only available only onthe director's client application (52), but could be available on anyone or more of the client applications (52) as desired. The pacingcontrols 248 allow the users (such as mainly the director) to adjust thepace of the sequence of the teleprompter text 242 to accommodate theactually delivery of the roles given by the actors.

As noted herein, a script (30) according to the present disclosureincludes teleprompter text (32) and media elements (36) incorporatedtogether. FIG. 5 illustrate a schematic 260 of the coordinated elementsof a live performance configured according to the present disclosure.The teleprompter text 262 of the script is laid out for sequenceddeliver during the performance, with the pace being controlled by pacingcontrols (e.g., 248) noted herein. Media elements 266 are associatedwith locations in the sequence of the teleprompter text 262. Forexample, audio, video, and effect elements are shown associated with theteleprompter text 262. Multiple elements 266 can be layered as depicted.

In the present example, multiple audio channels, video channels, andeffects can be triggered at different sequence locations in theteleprompter text 262. The scroll line or pacer 264 advances through theteleprompter text 262, and media elements 266 are triggered at points(e.g., A, B, C, D, E) as they come up in the sequence.

As noted, the system 10 preferably executes and loops the sounds andvisuals at the speed of the actor who is delivering lines. Therefore,the media elements 266 loop until triggered to stop or switch.Accordingly, even though the music triggered at point A may only lastfor a given length, it will continue to play and loop even if the pacer264 is paused or slowed down between points A and B for a time framelonger than the actual length of the music.

Preferably, at least the audio and visuals are looped. Some of thelighting effects can simply remain active until triggered to stop. Othereffects may be best controlled in at least a timed fashion. For example,a smoke machine or sound effect may along have a short time ofactivation once triggered in the sequence.

According to the present disclosure, a non-transitory program storagedevice can comprise instructions stored thereon to cause one or moreprocessors, devices, systems, etc. to perform the method and stepsdisclosed herein. In the teachings of the present disclosure, forexample, the system 10, host 20, clients 50, and the like can includeany one or more suitable processing elements, application-specificintegrated circuits, chips, field programmable arrays, etc. and caninclude any one or more suitable memory or storage elements. As will beappreciated, for example, teachings of the present disclosure can beimplemented in digital electronic circuitry, computer hardware, computerfirmware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Teachings ofthe present disclosure can be implemented in a programmable storagedevice (computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readablestorage device) for execution by a programmable control device orprocessor so that the programmable processor executing programinstructions can perform functions of the present disclosure. Theteachings of the present disclosure can be implemented advantageously inone or more computer programs that are executable on a programmablesystem including at least one programmable processor coupled to receivedata and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, adata storage system, at least one input device, and at least one outputdevice. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer programinstructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal harddisks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Anyof the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs(application-specific integrated circuits).

The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is notintended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of theinventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. It will beappreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that featuresdescribed above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of thedisclosed subject matter can be utilized, either alone or incombination, with any other described feature, in any other embodimentor aspect of the disclosed subject matter.

In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, theApplicants desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims.Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include allmodifications and alterations to the full extent that they come withinthe scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.

1. A method of coordinating a live performance by one or more actors ata venue, the method comprising: storing, at a host, a script for thelive performance, the script having one or more roles for playing by theone or more actors, the script having teleprompter text for delivery bythe one or more actors at a sequence in the live performance;associating, at the host, one or more media elements in the sequence ofthe teleprompter text for output in the live performance; associating,at the host, one or more clients at the venue with the one or more rolesof the script; delivering, from the host, the teleprompter text foroutput in real time at the sequence during the live performance at theone or more clients; and delivering, from the host, the one or moreassociated media elements for output in real time at the sequence duringthe live performance.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein storing, at thehost, the script for the live performance comprises providing one ormore user interfaces at the host to create the script.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising delivering, from the host, the telepromptertext for output at the sequence during the live performance to at leastone visual output device at the venue.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereindelivering, from the host, the associated media elements for output atthe sequence during the live performance comprises delivering theassociated media elements from the host to one or more media outputdevices at the venue.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering, fromthe host, the associated media elements for output at the sequenceduring the live performance comprises delivering the associated mediaelements from the host to one of the one or more clients having one ormore media outputs.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisingoutputting the associate media elements in real time at the sequencewith the one client; or delivering the associated media elements in realtime at the sequence from the one client to one or more media outputdevices.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein storing the script at thehost comprises storing the script with a host application running on aserver accessible by the one or more clients via a network interface. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein associating, at the host, the pluralityof media elements in the sequence of the teleprompter text comprisesassociating one or more of a song, a karaoke song, music, a video, animage, a sound effect, a smoke effect, and a lighting effect.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein associating, at the host, the one or moreclients at the venue with the one or more roles of the script comprisesassigning the one or more clients to the one or more roles using thehost; or selecting the one or more roles using the one or more clients.10. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling, with at leastone of the one or more clients, a pace for the output of theteleprompter text at the one or more clients at the sequence during thelive performance.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein associating, at thehost, the one or more clients with the one or more roles of the scriptcomprises creating a link for the live performance; and sharing the linkfor access by the one or more clients.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein delivering, from the host, the teleprompter text comprisessending the teleprompter text from the host to the one or more clients;and outputting the teleprompter text with a client application runningon the one or more clients.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereindelivering, from the host, the associated media elements comprisessending the associated media elements from the host to at least oneclient application running on at least one client device; and outputtingthe associated media elements with one or more interfaces of the atleast one client application to one or more media output devices at thevenue.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more media outputdevices comprise one or more of audio equipment, video equipment, one ormore displays, one or more projectors, smoke machine, and lightingequipment.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one clientdevice comprises a local server, a computer, a laptop, a tabletcomputer, a smartphone, and a handheld device.
 16. The method of claim1, wherein delivering, from the host, content of the teleprompter textand/or the one or more associated media elements for output in real timeat the sequence during the live performance comprises one or more of:streaming the content from the host and buffering the content at atleast one of the clients for output by the at least one client in realtime at the venue; streaming the content from the host and buffering thecontent at at least one media output device at the venue for output bythe at least one media output device in real time at the venue;downloading the content in whole or in part from the host on at leastone of the clients and controlling with the host a pace for the outputof the content in real time by the at least one client; and downloadingthe content in whole or in part from the host on at least one mediaoutput device at the venue and controlling with the host a pace for theoutput of the content in real time by the at least one media outputdevice.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering, from aserver of the host, one or more client applications to one or moreclient devices for the one or more clients.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the host comprises a server, a server system, a web-basedserver, or a remote server; and wherein the clients comprises one ormore of a local server, a computer, a laptop, a tablet computer, asmartphone, and a handheld device.
 19. A method of coordinating liveperformances of actors at venues, the method comprising: storing, at ahost, one or more scripts for the live performances, the one or morescripts having roles for playing by the actors, each of the one or morescripts having teleprompter text for delivery by the actors at asequence in each of the live performances; associating, at the host, oneor more media elements in the sequence of the teleprompter text foroutput in each of the live performances of each of the one or morescripts; associating, at the host, clients with the roles for each ofthe one or more scripts in each of the live performances at each of thevenues; delivering, from the host, the teleprompter text for output inreal time at the sequence during each of the live performances at theclients at each of the venues; and delivering, from the host, the one ormore associated media elements for output in real time at the sequenceduring each of the live performances at each of the venues.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising associating, at the host, aconfiguration for media output at each of the venues, whereindelivering, from the host, the one or more associated media elements foroutput in the sequence during each of the live performances at each ofthe venues comprise delivering, from the host, the one or moreassociated media elements according to the associated configuration ofthe media output at each of the venues.
 21. A non-transitory programstorage device comprising instructions stored thereon to cause one ormore processors of a host to: store a script for the live performance,the script having roles for playing by the actors, the script havingteleprompter text for delivery by the actors at a sequence in the liveperformance; associate a plurality of media elements in the sequence ofthe teleprompter text for output in the live performance; associate aplurality of clients with the roles of the script; deliver theteleprompter text from the host for output in real time at the sequenceduring the live performance at the clients; and deliver the associatedmedia elements from the host for output in real time at the sequenceduring the live performance.
 22. A host device for coordinating a liveperformance between a plurality of networked client devices of actors ata venue, the host device comprising: memory storing a script for thelive performance, the script having roles for playing by the actors, thescript having teleprompter text for delivery by the actors at a sequencein the live performance, the script having a plurality of media elementsassociated in the sequence of the teleprompter text for output in thelive performance; one or more interfaces for communication with thenetworked client devices; and one or more processors in communicationwith the memory and the one or more interfaces and configured to:associate a plurality of the network client devices with the roles ofthe script; deliver the teleprompter text from the host device foroutput in real time at the sequence during the live performance with theclient devices; and deliver the associated media elements from the hostdevice for output in real time at the sequence during the liveperformance.